Lahachowk and Ghachok are beautiful villages situated in the northwest region of Pokhara. This village is situated at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. This route offers scenic beauty, an old settlement rich in culture, beautiful view of Annapurna North, Machhapuchhre (Mount Fishtail), Manaslu and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges. This trek is ideal for beginners and all levels of trekkers as the distance is not so far and the trail is not too steep or difficult. Beautiful Nepali villages are one of the oldest settlements of Gurungs in the Kaski region with stone thatch roofs. These people are famous as Gorkhas in the world for their brave history since the first and Second World Wars.
This is two days trek and it starts from Hemja, around 30 minutes drive from Pokhara. This place is famous for its orange groves. After crossing the Mardi River, the trek heads up to Ghachok passing via Lhachok village along the way. On the way, you’ll also see a monastery. After spending overnight in a tea house in Ghachok the next morning you can head towards Pokhara from the south.
This is a short and easy cultural trek, providing an insight into the typical traditions and lifestyle of the Gurung ethnic group of Kaski as well as great views of the Himalayas. Be well equipped to cross two rivers Seti and Mardi to reach this destination. Seti River originated from the slopes of the Annapurna Himalayas. This river is also popular for rafting.
Lahachowk
Lahachowk (लाहाचोक) is a beautiful traditional village in Machhapuchchhre Gaunpalika not far from Mount Machhapuchchhre, a mountain in the Annapurna Himal. It is located at Kaski, northern-central Nepal. Laha chowk is about 13 km north-west of Pokhara and situated at the altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level.
Local life
The main occupation of Lahachowk Village is agriculture. The society is ethnically and culturally diverse with people from many different castes residing in the village. Major ethnic groups in the village are Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit, Newar, Magar and Gurung. It had a population of 3,129 in 829 individual households during the 2011 Census in Nepal.
Ghachok
Ghachok (घचोक) is a beautiful village in the Kaski district located on the lap of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. It is nearby Pokhara City, northern-central Nepal. This village is a tourist area in Pokhara, situated 1,258 meters above sea level. It is a gateway to the Machhapuchhre trek and also one of the main entry points to other trekking trails of the Annapurna region. Ghachok village trail begins from Hemja. The village looks beautiful with views of fields of rice, wheat, vegetables, landscape and a close view of Annapurna mountain range and Fishtail mountain.
Local life
People are mainly engaged in agriculture. In Ghachok you’ll find different cultural and ethnic groups. During the Nepal census in 1991, Ghachok had a population of 2,322 persons living in 449 individual households. The population might have declined these days as people are migrating from villages to big cities.
How to reach ?
This place is approximately 30 minutes drive from Pokhara.